Blaze Bayley - The King of Metal

So anyone here who may like Blaze stuff, I got his new album King of Metal. I was a bit thrown off by the title since I dont think he would have the right to declare himself that, despite liking his musical efforts very much. Anyhow, this albums title seems to be focusing more on some of those that are lost to us now from the metal scene that were kings of metal Like RJ Dio and Dimebag.

Anyhow, the other thing that has a major theme in this album is Blazes own personal struggles. Those who know he lost his wife, and he has battled health problems himself, alcoholism, and severe depression, he seems to be focused on his perseverance. I will say this, it is a nice message but it also comes across as a bit depressing when you listen to it as well. If any of you have ever dealt with any type of depression, or still do, or know someone close to you who has had an episode, and so forth, this is just a bit way to much. My sister is Bi-Polar and she struggles constantly with these issues, and so I cant help but think of the years she has dealt with it, and how his story doesnt match hers. So for me it is a flip side issue, on one hand it is definitely made to help those in struggle and know that you can survive and get back on top, but it also is a reminder of the hard times for anyone. So I love this album and think it is full of great songs, but the lyrics and message are a dark reminder of tough times and remind me of my sister and her struggles.

Just not sure where I can place this album yet. May be one I dont listen to so much since I prefer not to think upon the sad things in life. Plus it also seems to be laid on super heavy and gets a bit annoying after awhile.

Anyone else get this and think along the same lines?

Now i'll have to really check it out. I can take it if it's thoughtful but if it's depressing, I don't know.

I really love Blaze's solo material. This album is on my list!

I played a show with him in 2010...He was alot of fun at the gig.but did not hang out with the band much... He gave ma a copy of his last cd. I liked it alot...

Haven't heard this one yet. Didn't even know it was out already. I really liked his last two albums though so I'll pick this one up eventually.

Will have to check this out. Thanks.

Didn't even know he had a new one out. Last time I read about him he had disolved his solo band, and returned to Wolfsbane, who also have a new album out these days.

I wonder how Manowar feels about the album title... "Wait, what?"

Fat Freddy wrote:

I wonder how Manowar feels about the album title... "Wait, what?"

Soon on blabbermouth you will be reading "Manowar's new album to be call 'The REAL Kings Of Metal"

I've fallen behind on his last coupla releases. I have all of his albums as Blaze the band, but haven't purchased anything since he's gone solo. Been meaning to though, just kinda fell behind. I enjoy his work very much. Way better than anything he did with Maiden.

I'd certainly be willing to give this new album a listen. I'm assuming the King of Metal title is done either as a tongue-in-cheek kinda joke or has some other meaning found in the lyrics or something like that.

Blaze is a down-to-earth, kind kinda bloke. Obviously the title of the album is not meant to reflect on himself in person.

Commented Blaze: "Over the many years I have been a professional singer, and through my ups and downs, I have noticed how some artists and bands take their success and their fans for granted.

"For me, there is no heavy metal without heavy metal fans.

"I am dedicating the new album and tour to my fans and the fans of heavy metal. It is called 'The King Of Metal' because you the fans are the real kings of metal. Each one of you that buys albums and merchandise and tickets to gigs is a king of metal to me."

http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=168845

Big fan of his Silicon Messiah and Tenth Dimension releases. Didn't find Man Who Would Not Die and Promise and Terror appealing. And oh, The X Factor is simply Maiden's best post-80's release

That's the first time i've heard anyone say that about X Factor. Even in jest.

Dark Horseman wrote:

That's the first time i've heard anyone say that about X Factor. Even in jest.

I love X Factor, I really do. However, it is nowhere near Fear Of The Dark, Brave New World, or Dance Of Death, IMO of course.

stpatrik wrote:

Blaze is a down-to-earth, kind kinda bloke. Obviously the title of the album is not meant to reflect on himself in person.

Commented Blaze: "Over the many years I have been a professional singer, and through my ups and downs, I have noticed how some artists and bands take their success and their fans for granted.

"For me, there is no heavy metal without heavy metal fans.

"I am dedicating the new album and tour to my fans and the fans of heavy metal. It is called 'The King Of Metal' because you the fans are the real kings of metal. Each one of you that buys albums and merchandise and tickets to gigs is a king of metal to me."

http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=168845

Big fan of his Silicon Messiah and Tenth Dimension releases. Didn't find Man Who Would Not Die and Promise and Terror appealing. And oh, The X Factor is simply Maiden's best post-80's release

Blaze really is a nice, down to earth guy. When I saw him, he spent time to talk to everyone that showed up to the show. Granted it was only 30 people, but he played like it was a packed house, if he was pissed that only 30 people showed up he didn't act like it.

The X Factor was a very good album, quite unlike the Virtual XI mishap.

I didn't know there was a new Blaze album! Where do I get it from? My usual online shop doesn't carry it. Nevermind, I ordered it from blazebayley.net.

I love Blaze solo. All five albums have been awesome so far. Automatic purchase for me.

Let us know what you think.

Very disappointed by this new Blaze release, as I was with each of his albums after Blood & Belief. The first 3 Blaze albums were great metal albums that I still play regularly, but since that, it went downhill IMO. Production is not as good, same for the songwriting. Where are the catchy riffs and choruses? The new album is just dull and uninspired. I'm sad to write this as I'm a Blaze fan. But he must get back on track soon, and find a good band with a couple good songwriters.

So I got this CD yesterday and gave it a few spins already, and unfortunately I have to say it's a far cry in quality from all the previous, great Blaze albums. It doesn't have many great riffs or melodies. Production is weak. Blaze doesn't sound his best.

The lyrics are pretty powerful, so maybe he should be a motivational speaker?

Blaze Bayley, The King of Metal? Only in his dreams maybe, haha.